Neverland

zindagi ke phatte...

2006-09-15T00:25:00.000-07:00

life sometimes seems to be really funny...

one day...you realise that life has so much to offer...everything seems to be going on the right track...if not, then even you tend to believe that things will fall in place...you meet nice people...everybody love and care about you...you simply feel GREAT...this drives you to move ahead...face whatever comes your way...and you think this is the beauty of life...

and then next day, you realise that you are living in ignorance...nothing is happening the way you would like it to be...your plans are failing...people just hate and ignore you...you find yourself alone...you think this is not the way to live life...you tend to be impatient...people doesnt give you enough freedom...stranded in no man's land...then you question yourself 'is this life?'

all this makes life interesting and engrossing...

there are no set rules to handle either of the days...but i have realised vision (of life) and patience can make things certainly better and workable...

i am still looking to find better ways to handle it...any suggestions are invited? :):)

Alone.........

2006-08-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

For quite sometime, i have been thinking writing something on my thoughts, life. And my last 2-3 blog entries are on the same lines. Earlier i used to write on more social and political issues which now i find boring and mundane.

Then i figured, even my character and life is quite interesting and strange, and a lot could be written which could be worth readiing. Moreover, it makes you think and evaluate yourself.

Everytime, i try to evaluate myself, i find myself alone. This is quite strange for a person like me. And i am not able to accept this feeling, the more i try to shun it away the more it gets on me.

Seriously, i need a break and i wanna go out !!! any takers :)

Sinking Ship........continued

2006-07-14T05:07:00.000-07:00

Last nite, our own friend shishir gupta was at our place. We (Kavi, Tp, Hathi and I) were having discussion on the 'Sinking Ship'.

Sinking ship is such an interesting story, and it is a part of everybody life. Everytime the captain and team is different. Plot is different. Rules are decided by captain. And team play around them. But the captain has to earn respect and command from its team members to make sail smooth and enduring.

There is time when sailor loses directions, when there is confusion, when people think of saving their lives. This is the time when captain plays like a hero, fights against all odds, sails through. His confidence is team's confidence.

whosoever is reading, CAPTAIN has to stay and he should stay.......

Losing control..........

2006-07-14T04:37:00.000-07:00

For sometime now, i am troubled by something which is my own creation. I simply don't understand why i behave unreasonably when my surroundings are not in my control? why why why? I tend to stay quiet, keep my head cool, heart beat goes up and down, feel like hitting hard on wall. But i dont know its helps or not as i try hard to keep everything with me. Inflow is so much and no outflow. That feeling so frustating at times, that it almost kills me.

There is also a good part to it. It just dies down so quickly, anyways it has to otherwise i can't sustain the heat for that long.

I still dont know how to channelize this heat, and i dont want to channelize it. Just wanna get over it. Chuck it. .... it

I simply hate this feeling. Sort of relieved.

One Lifetime is just too less

2006-05-25T10:42:00.000-07:00

Few days back, i was out with my office team for a lunch at Flavors. While we were discussing our experiences on the project as a team, one of my colleague questioned my TL, what do you wanna do in your life if you have no constraints like money etc. Since then, i am looking for an answer. Honestly, i am still figuring out a consistent answer. Initially, i thought its going to be an easy one.

After pondering on this since then, i feel my choice cant be single for this lifetime. I would love to travel around this world, would like to meet people of different cultures and communities. But can i do this for my remaining life? Certainly not, if given a choice i would like to be following in single lifetime:

1. A directionless traveller
2. An actor
3. A politician
4. A social worker
5. A musician
6. A singer
7. Into advertising
8. A writer
9. A reporter

aur pata nahin kya kya...there is no end to it. And an ironical part, my current profession is not in the list.

How one can possibly be in one profession in his/her whole life? I know i might stupid. You must be thinking, most people spend their life in single profession without liking or i would say without knowing what they actually like. Even i might do the same.

Try to ask this question to yourself, i am sure it wont be easy to find an answer.

Still life is beautiful. I know i am being unrealistic and a dreamer. Kya karun yaar...bhawnao ko samjho...

Another dimension - QUOTA for OBC's in IIT's and IIM's

2006-05-01T05:34:00.000-07:00

Lot has been said on Mandal II. There is hue and cry over proposal of quota for OBC's in IITs and IIMs. Everyone has given his/her viewpoints.

Here I wont like to discuss, what is right or wrong, but possible cultural and social impact of this decision. Till now, no one has talked about the possible relationship among students in these pre-eminent institutes, their prospects after education and challenges they going to face in present education system if this proposal is implemented in its present form.

From my experience I could say that most of the quota category students are not open about their background. They always try to hide it from other students because most of the general category students never find reservation justified. So if this proposal is implemented, it means every second student in these institutes will belong to any of these reservation categories. I cant even think of the reaction of students who are selected on the basis of merit, if they find every second student hasn't put the same amount of hard work as they have put. But I am pretty sure; this reaction is not going to be normal and acceptable.

Even today, general category students don’t accept reservation. And in IIT's, they move and interact in different groups. I am afraid that 50:50 divide might lead to cultural divide between these two groups.

Campus placements: critical period in every student’s life. More than 90% of the organizations that recruit graduates from these institutes belong to private sector. So lets suppose at the time of final selection, if a choice comes down to 'general' student and 'quota' student, with other factors being same, there is clear likelihood that the recruiting company will choose the 'general' student. Reason is simple: There is a huge difference in the intellectual level of both students at the time of entrance.

Implementing similar level of reservation in private sector jobs is still a distant dream. Either these companies will stop coming to IIT or they will recruit off campus.

Another valid observation is whether these institutes are capable of handling this decision. How they going to make sure that the student from OBC's perform as per standards. Because just ensuring an admission wont help them in longer term.

Today, every aspirant who fights hard to secure a seat wont let it go that easily.

Order quality and economical digital photo prints ONLINE

2006-04-24T22:17:00.000-07:00

In India, recent years witnessed a boom in digital photography and a multitude of online photo sharing communities have spawned on the web, trying to meet the growing demand. But only few offer the facility of online ordering of quality and economical digital photo prints. In India the concept is relatively new.

Itasveer (www.itasveer.com), a feature-rich service by Akube Technologies Private Limited is a new entrant in the market providing online sharing and ordering of quality photo prints on a mouse click with delivery anywhere in India.

Itasveer’s membership benefits include free online photo sharing, unlimited photo storage and faster photo upload.

Itasveer offers competitive prices for the photo sizes (4"x6", 5"x7", 6"x8"), as against the prices offered by photo studios across India.

Whether you have a handful of vacation shots or you're a serious photographer with a big image archive, Itasveer can make printing a pleasure with its superior quality prints. It is a cost effective and attractive medium for Indians outside India who are willing to share memories with their families in India.

Itasveer's photo-sharing service enables anyone - from casual to amateur to professional photographers - to quickly and easily display photos on their own personal photo website using its public sharing facility.

From 15th April 2006, users can use this service and take advantage of the introductory offer. Itasveer is starting with an introductory offer of Rs. 4.5 for 4”x6”.

Life is Beautiful

2006-03-02T10:18:00.000-08:00

Was out of action for last four months...wow!!! but can't keep quite anymore...bhara baitha hoon (courtesy: Raju Sri). Life hasn't changed much, though has been through some unexpected rides, sweet moments, sour times. But i think thats the part of the life. Life is beautiful. Will write more, more, more

Watch out this space !!!

2005-11-13T23:31:00.000-08:00

Sorry for being out for this long...watch out this space for more !!!

KYONKI YEH DIL MAANGE MORE !!!

Happy and Safe Delhi !!!

2005-10-17T00:15:00.000-07:00

AID India (Association for India's Development) is a NGO working in various social activities across India. Please visit website (http://www.aidindia.org) to know more details.

As a part of our social awareness program, Delhi chapter (http://delhi.aidindia.org), started its program with Diwali. We have created three posters to spread awareness about the ill effects caused by Diwali crackers.

If you think pollution is a big problem for us, we would you to do these.
+-- To take prinouts (or xerox) of these posters and post them at
-- offices/companies
-- schools/colleges
-- apartments or residential areas
+-- Talk to your orgnisation (college, school, company, apartment) and make sure
they post it at all places.
+-- Take pledge for yourself by visiting our site http://delhi.aidindia.org
+-- Spread this word by forwarding the posters to your friends, colleagues
+-- Ask your family members/friends to keep the posters in their organisations.
+-- Spread the message by word of mouth

More details, facts, updated posters and other resources are available at http://delhi.aidindia.org/

If you like to comment, know more details please mail to aid.delhi@gmail.com

Have a safe and happy Diwali.

Thank you,
AID Delhi team

--
Say 'No to crackers' and have safe and happy Diwali.
http://delhi.aidindia.org

Voluntary Fee Structure - new approach

2005-09-20T00:07:00.000-07:00

Over the years, historians, politicians, economists, leaders, students, scholars etc have realized the growing role of literacy in the development of India. But still, less than 1% of GDP is spent on primary and secondary education. As an annual event, every year Union government pledges for 'Education for All' without any efficient and effective measures.

Universities (like DU, JNU, and Mumbai etc) are fighting hard for their survival. They are receiving grants barely enough to meet their own expenditures. And in some states like Bihar, Orissa even this is unachievable. In such a scenario, it is unfair to expect any improvement in infrastructure in such universities. Ironically, whenever these institutions try to raise funds on their own then there are issues like autonomy, bureaucratic channels and political interventions to inhibit any such initiative.

Taking the case of Delhi University, average annual fees for any undergraduate course is around Rs. 5500. This is around what any student spends on other utilities in 2 months on average. No change has been made to fee structure for decades due to political reasons. Even at times, students and their parents are not willing to pay more than this amount given the fact they spend around Rs. 200 on each meal or their cell phone bill is more than Rs. 500 / month (or Rs 6000 / year). We all realize that it may be difficult for some students to pay even this amount. But number of such students has gone down over the years given the rising income levels. Moreover, there were will be sizeable numbers of parents who are willing to pay more if the improvement is guaranteed in some way.

In order to overcome political pressures and avoid poor students concerns, we can go for voluntary fee structure. In such a paradigm, government will fix a minimum fee for any course and the final fee will depend on the discretion of parents/students. At the beginning of each academic year, university will submit the proposal of requirements to the student body after the approval from government and consultation with student bodies. This proposal would have the details of requirements of funds in different sectors like buildings, library, labs etc.

Once this proposal is approved, it will depend on students/parents (on voluntary basis) for which activity they want to pay in addition to stipulated fees. In return, university need to provide feedback on funds utilized for each activity publicly every semester. In the beginning, funds may not be large but it will definitely grow with time, will bring more transparency and help to increase interaction between students and management. In the future, it might clear the way to change the fee structure. We need to realize that our education system is highly subsidized.

Government may take this initiative as an experiment with one or two institutions. It will require consent and support from students’ body at large. But as this would be on voluntary basis, it won’t put onus on anyone.

Unseen and Unpredictable forces of Indian Stock Market

2005-08-17T00:03:00.000-07:00

Among the recent trends, I often see naive (most of the chunk) and young 'cookies' like us, entrant to the professional world discussing hot topics like current market trends, Indian economy, and state of public administration, US-Iraq war, role of UN & its bodies and many more. There is obviously no end to such discussions. The encouraging aspect of such discussions is the interest shown by the young 'wanna be' achievers on such critical issues. Latest being the steep rise in BSE and NSE indices in recent times.

Daily we see these indices reaching new heights (rise of more than 1700 points in less than a year), inflow of more than $8 bn by FII's last year, more companies and mutual funds raising money from the market, advent of retail investors and above all 'India Shining' sentiment getting stronger in India and outside.

Strong sentiments, commendable performance of markets, declining interest rates, unattractive saving and pension schemes, rising disposable incomes and more promising returns (as it perceived by most) are encouraging people in the age group 23-28 years to invest their savings (about 50%) in stocks markets and plethora of funds (considered to be more safer options and less time consuming).

Such a development looks really encouraging. But as BSE index is approaching 8000 level, questions are raised on the sustainability of this unprecedented rise. Is the index of 9000 achievable? Is the economy doing so good that heavy loss in the financial capital - Mumbai, rise of crude oil to $66 / barrel and time to time resistance by Left parties to government policies doesn't effect it at all? Are we close to another scam or debacle on account of short selling by FII's or other market operators once they decide to cash returns? Is it the right time to buy?

Nobody can give definite answers. It’s not for the first time stock prices are scaling new heights or funds (mutual funds or sector funds) showing returns of more than 50% in a year. If you carefully analyze the prices of most of the large and mid cap stocks which have presence since early 90's, it clearly indicates that prices were much higher before Ketan Parikh’s scam and 2000 .com burst and strikingly at the index of 5500 level than today at 7900 level. Why there is so much hype? Some might counter highlighting the potential of such stocks in future. But how would one explain the difference in index level? Index is calculated as the weighted average of market capitalization of constituents, so the traded volume of stocks, entry of more stocks and lower level of base year can create a hyped index level. The biggest problem is that retail investors are attracted on the basis of index level rather studying stocks and corresponding sectors individually.

If mutual and other sector funds cheer about the returns in last two years, it’s because NAV's rose due to buyout done after Black Monday at 4500 level when UPA came in power. But such returns can't be expected in coming months as the market is almost there at its peak. It is clear from the analyses of returns in last two years, one year and last six months that returns are decreasing as the base capital is increasing. Moving in and out frequently hurts in the form of entry and exit load. Transactions tax and capital gain tax is there to add to the burden. This is the prime reason why intra-day trading is discouraged.

Definitely some sectors like energy, automotive, textiles, telecom, and cement have shown strong performance in the past. But the problem with such results is that the non-performing mid cap and some large cap stocks also move upstream despite mediocre and poor results as the sentiment is strong. Such stocks are worse affected when the market takes a backward turn.

Indian stock market where retail investors constitute only 10% in terms of value depends on the market operators - FII's and QIB's. FII's generally aim for the return in short term and they are always in search for strong economies. Two years ago, declining interest rates in US, stagnant European markets and strong prospects of Indian economy attracted them to the Indian market. Time has come when they would like to cash on their investments and moreover interest rates in US rose by 50 base points in less than a year. In such a case, naive small investors going to be worst hit. FII’s might come back or might not move out completely. But they are not the long term investors. Once they start selling, we might see another Black Day.

Growing access to internet has helped professional to trade while sitting in their offices. This has brought interested investors to the market. On other side, it has encouraged intra-day trading which gives less time to investor to analyze and things happen just with the click.

Current situation may entice any person willing to earn higher returns. But the decision should be sound and well thought.

Citizens of a proud Country?

2005-08-09T01:59:00.000-07:00

“Hey, 15th August is Monday, lets go for a vacation to some romantic place”, I happened to hear my colleague’s conversation with his wife over the phone. Each one of us waits anxiously for holidays like Independence Day, Republic Day, and Election Day to fall on Friday/Monday so that we could have an extended weekend. So what’s wrong with it?

After 58 years of Independence, do we Indians realize the value of ‘Freedom’? Do we realize the value of sacrifices and selfless efforts of real life heroes of our freedom struggle? Patriotism is not just about cheering for Indian Cricket Team, attending ceremonies on 15th August, criticizing public policies, blaming politicians and/or just feeling ‘bad’ about the current state of the country. ‘Love of and devotion to one's country’ is how any lexicon describes Patriotism. But Patriotism is not just about sentiments; it has to be reflected in your demeanor, day to day activities and your thought process.

India is our motherland and we are an inseparable part of her. We share ownership of India’s resources and assets with other citizens of the country. But how many of us would hold themselves responsible for the misuse of these invaluable resources and assets? How many of us consider ourselves responsible citizens? Why do we blame government when more than 50% do not exercise their vote? An expected answer, all of them are corrupt. But they are also a part of our society, so there must be something wrong with our society and we are equally responsible for this state. Blaming government and its policies won’t help anymore. How many of us follow traffic rules, pay taxes honestly, buy train tickets, pay for public facilities, use electricity & water efficiently and exercise our basic rights & duties? People litter in public places, parks and while driving without giving the second thought to it. Do you still want to label yourself as civilized human being? I doubt. Education could provide knowledge but not civic sense.

Being the citizens of this country, we need to accept our share of responsibilities. India is nothing but its people. We need to treat this country as our home. Priceless ‘freedom’ has given us free air to breathe. Let’s realize its importance, let us not let it go. This country has given us so much and now it’s our turn to pay back. Patriotism is not just a feeling, but it is sense of commitment from the citizen of the country to contribute in full capacity to make the country most desired place in the world. A place where people feel accountable for the progress of the country, efforts would be collective and for the prosperity of the country.

Currently we all are part of the vicious circle where everybody blames one another. We need to get out of it; otherwise we have to pay a bigger price. Would we still consider ourselves ‘Patriotic’? Let’s be honest to ourselves. The decision lies in our hands.

Socialism - an obsolete school of thought

2005-08-04T02:35:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought of worker's involvement in decision making and financial planning with upper management OR sharing ownership with employees? This is not as simple as ESOP's or employee benefit schemes. This involves election of upper management by employees, sharing balance sheets with employees, reviewing investment decisions, organization's budget and above all, running business with management as an co-owner. Any socialist will appreciate this paradigm of operation.

In Venezuela, soon socialist's dreams are going to be realized under the dynamic leadership of President Huga Chavez. Through this model, he is aiming to provide second-tier support to economy driven by Oil exports. He is targeting textile, automotive and other labour intensive industries. Such a paradigm would motivate workers to work efficiently and will help sick industries in their revival.

Here the intention of Mr. Chavez is unquestionable, but involving workers at high level decision making is not acceptable in today's capitalist economy. This model can work at smaller level. In today's world, things are moving at really fast pace, decisions are taken keeping both short term and long term complexities in vision.

I seriously doubt, whether it is in the interest of industry to involve inexperience workforce in such strategic decisions. It might initiate demand for higher wages, slower decision making, delay in investment decisions and above all, could bring political chauvinists in play for power and money.

In today's paradigm of globalization, free markets only capitalists will survive keeping in the view the interests of people. This requires clear and mutual understanding of each other's roles, responsibilities, motives, requirements and work area. Mr. Hugo, nice thought but I don’t think it would work in longer run.

Vision - simple and realistic

2005-08-01T00:33:00.000-07:00

In 1992 JRD Tata was awarded the prestigious Bharat Ratna Award. In his acceptance speech, he said:

"An American economist has predicted that in the next century India will be an economic superpower. I don't want India to be an economic superpower. I want India to be a happy country."

I believe nobody else could have more realistic vision than him.

JRD Tata made everyone realize the importance of ethics in business and had commendable people management skills. He realized the importance of human capital for the success of any enterprise. He was a firm supporter of public-private partnership.

Today, plethora of books, articles, reports have been written on globalization, capitalism, free markets, global warming etc. Goldman Sacchs predicted US, China and India among the top 3 economies in the world, 2050. But this economic hegemony would bring happiness and prosperity for the citizens of India? Any takers? Nobody could predict that.

I am not questioning the role of strong economy in the progress of the country. But at what cost? There is no point in promoting 'India Shining' campaign, if you don't have enough people to celebrate the success. We should promote generation of wealth in all sections of the society proportionally for the culmination of vision of egalitarian society.

We can't ensure happiness by economic superiority but can compromise on being superficial economic superpower if it ensures happiness for common man. This vision is simple and more realistic in present circumstances.

On road to success, if we could bring more energized and motivated people (possible in egalitarian society), journey would be more enjoyable and more fruitful.

"I'm sorry you can't dream big"

2005-07-27T01:18:00.000-07:00

"The last thing I'll say for the people who don't believe in cycling, the cynics, the sceptics, I'm sorry for you. I'm sorry you can't dream big and I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles," Lance Armstrong said in his farewell speech. These words say a lot about the personality of this ace sportsperson, living legend. You don't expect a person suffering from cancer, fighting for his survival would come back with such conviction and determination.

It’s really difficult to relate yourself with the psyche of ill person down with cancer. Winning Tour de France seven times and eliminating competition from cycling arena simply suggests his ability to Dream big and moreover, hard work and strong psyche to achieve it.

I think no one could match his fighting spirit, courage and will to perform & excel.
Hats off to you !!!

Better individual or better human being?

2005-07-24T23:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, one of my gang members (fella's from college) invited me to attend the annual discussion meeting of Bharat Soka Gakkai. He is a member of BSG. I was bit apprehensive about this meeting, as I had no idea about this organization, what they do and what they aim to achieve. I got late for the meeting, as I didn't had much interest in attending the meeting. When I entered the meeting hall, I saw some of the members of the organization were sharing their experiences before and after joining this organization. After listening to their experiences, I was able to make out that Soka Gakkai International (SGI) aims to imbibe the feeling of self-confidence, higher motivation level and will to excel & perform in the individual through the principles of Buddhist Humanism.

I found, most of the members were going through the 'low' phase in their lives due to loss of family members, relationships failure, sub par performance at their workplace and/or any personal conflicts before joining this organization. Principles of Buddhist Humanism, interaction with fellow members and chanting of some prayers helped them get out of it.

Now after being part of it for a long time, they seem happy as they are performing well at worplace, earning high salaries and enjoying personal relationships. They claim to be better individuals and human beings.

I doubt on this contention of them as I find most of their gains to be materialistic and suggest an individualistic vision. I am not great follower of Buddhist principles, but these principles are much more beyond this. These people could be better individuals at personal level to satisfy their personal materialistic and emotional needs, they really had to practice and follow Buddhist principles to be better human beings and citizens.

Fast...Faster....Lost

2005-07-19T21:54:00.000-07:00

Some people move so fast in their lives...they leave so much behind even they can't see it. Striking feature of personality of such people is that they don't realize need to carry people who care for them. Such realization is necessary at some point of time to sustain high energy level. Otherwise you won't find anyone when you need most.

I don't know why I am saying so. I can't help it.......

Poor Singh Sahib !!!!!

2005-07-18T03:15:00.000-07:00

I feel sorry for our National Leaders and their blind followers when I read their comments on PM Singh's speech at Oxford Felicitation Ceremony. These "critics" took no time to draw illogical conclusions without reading the excerpts of the speech. He highlighted the impact of British Colonial Rule on Indian governance, Indian society and Indian economy with both pros and cons of the rule. Each word of his speech did justice to every citizen of this country. British rule tried to build then fragmented Indian society into an egalitarian society. They helped India to connect to other parts of the World and need not to mention, 'English' as the medium of education gave the edge to Indian Education System. Our constitution and corporate governance derives its components from British System. They developed rail and road network to connect distant parts of the country.

No one could deny the sufferings under Colonial rule. But we need to accept and respect the positive outcome under this rule. Then only we could respect our 'Freedom'.

There is no point in making allegations against Singh Sahib without going through what he said. With more News channels coming up, one would expect fair and honest opinions. But every news channel is into business of making money. Such irresponsible demeanor of media is harming the image of honorable PM and making his words less creditable in public.

Read Excerpts from PM's speech on www.hinduonline.net

Left or Right?

2005-07-13T22:28:00.000-07:00

It looks as if the 'Conditional Support' of any nationalist party to other nationalist party to form the government (in the context of Indian Democracy) implies putting checks and conditions (mostly irrational) on any of the policies of government. Let it be FDI, disinvestments in PSU's, hike in Oil prices, PF interest rate or India's claim for Security Council, why Left always raise voice in opposition? Being a partner in government Left has all rights to express their concerns. But i don't see any rational in opposing hike in Oil prices (when intl Oil prices per barrel is over $60) and demand for increase in PF rate to 9.5 % (when return of more than 6% is unlikely).

Sometime, Left even miss out on policies they stood for just to oppose Congress. Alliance should aim to streamline the efforts of constituents efficiently rather one constituent wasting time and energy to convince another constituent.

I think Congress and Left need to strike a balance if they wish to continue for remaining period but interests of Indians should be their prime objective.

ufffff......I hate this multi-party system !!!!!

POSCO is coming to INDIA....

2005-07-11T23:31:00.000-07:00

South Korean steel giant POSCO is finally coming to India with highest FDI investment of $12 bn ever in India. Orissa's CM Patnaik seems to be happier than anybody else. For one of the poorest states like Orissa, investment of this scale, generation of around 40,000 jobs and improvement in infrastructure in the state could bring smile on anybody's face on first look.

But does this deal deserve this much attention? Is this deal is in India's interests? Experts, domestic manufactures, NGO's, bureaucrats etc have expressed their concerns on various issues that could get affected once POSCO moves on with this gargantuan project in Orissa. Permission to export of 30% of iron ore from India is a prime concern when every nation is fighting hard to secure perennial energy resources. India has 1.5 bn tonnes of proved reserves of iron ore and there could be another 1.5-2 bn tonnes of iron ore on guess estimates. With the inception of this project and increase in the capacity of other steel units in country, Indian reserves would last for only 30-35 years. State Govt's decision to allocate 2-3 mines to POSCO and tax incentives for next 30 years is a major reason for anger among domestic participants when they have to wait and go through sluggish govt channels. NGOs are another section of people whom State Govt has to handle at every stage of the project.

But this project certainly has notable benefits:
1. Revenues of Rs. 89,000 for Central Govt. in next 30 years.
2. Revenues of Rs. 22,500 for Govt of Orissa
3. Development potential for other ancilliary industries
4. Large scale infrastructure development

But still I found concerns expressed valid and Govt need to analyze them beforehand.

Blow for Global War on terrorism?

2005-07-08T05:07:00.000-07:00

After bloody 9/11, US were put on Red Alert on numerous occasions. Everybody was expecting horrendous act of terrorism after Twin Plane Attacks that shook the NewYork City. After four years, series of blasts in London reminded everybody of hue and cry after Sept attacks. But point worth mentioning is the choice of London city and timing of this dreadful act.

Some of the reasons are quite obvious. Looking deep down further, some considerations make this planned act executed after a rigorous thought process. UK's support for US Machiavellian initiative against terrorism and strategic partnership with Uncle Sam in war against Iraq has given 'Bad' name to UK in Terrorist community. This attack is sort of warning for all who were with Uncle Sam in fight against terrorism and looking for partnership with US for political and economic gains.

Moreover, timing of these attacks with ongoing G8 summit in Scotland is another interesting observation. Nobody could overlook that. These attacks must have diverted attention from stipulated agenda of the summit. We could hardly expect anything from this event.

Next important thing to note regarding the timing of this act is that these attacks shook the London city, the day after London won the Olympic bid for 2012. I don't know how to relate this event with the bomb blasts, but still worth consideration.

I doubt whether we could put these consideration together to reach any conclusion. But this attack has given new dimension to the Global war against terrorism. What would be the reply from UK or Uncle Sam going to provide the world community a changed face to war against terrorism? I really doubt whether this bad time would bring US and its allies together or whether allies like Italy, Hungry (still not harmed) would choose their own path. UNCLE SAM, tough road ahead.

(this piece is originally written for www.indianmirror.blogdrive.com)

values vs success ....

2005-07-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

Once great Albert Einstein said:

It is far more important to be a man of value than to
be a man of success

as I say:

It is important to be a man of value than to
be a man of success...It is far more important to be a
man of success without comprising on ur values

New Rules, More Excitement !!!!

2005-07-07T01:30:00.000-07:00

Intl Cricket Comm has given its green signal to the new rules for ODI cricket. One rolling substitution, 2 field restriction for 10 + 10 overs gonna add new dimension to the excitement associated with ODI format.
But i am still sceptical about the implications after these ruling would come into affect with ODI between Aus and Eng on 7th July. Facility of one subsitution would bring 12th man in the picture. Now India could get rid of Ganguly's poor show or shabby bowling from any of the Indian Bowlers. So Dada, better play next time !!!!!
I hope these new rules won't harm the team spirit and above all sport spirit, any game has. Being a genuine game lover, i expect genuine sportmen rather entertainers.

Talent with strategy would make a difference. Come on INDIA !!!!!

Magic of B's

2005-07-06T00:17:00.001-07:00

Big B and Small B have done a commendable job in 'The GodFather' inspired 'Sarkar'. Perfect casting, solid background score and some impeccable performances make this movie a must watch. After a long time, Ram Gopal Verma has given a true performance oriented piece. He even made Katrina Kaif to act. You must watch it!!!!

Thirst for Oil !!!!!!!

2005-07-06T00:17:00.000-07:00

China's CNOOC $18 bn bid for American Oil Company Unocal has put Bush administration in fix. Preparations for next Olympics and large scale infrastructure activities have made China, the second largest importer of Oil after US. This made China to search for energy resources from every corner of the World. But they seem to be finding a notable competition from India. Recent tug of war in Sudan, Vietnam, Angola, Sri Lanka, and Russia for Oil Fields clearly suggests this. Moreover, India maintains a cordial relationship with Iran, Russia where China lacks a bit. But if US turn down China's bid, then China would definitely look for countries like Iran, Iraq and other Arabian countries. And US would never appreciate this association going further. Burgeoning forex reserves of China and mammoth Oil Companies who are willing to pay any price to satisfy their quest are turning Oil deals in their favor. Loss of Oil fields in Sudan, Angola to China is a prime example. In their new approach, China has started looking for places in South America and Africa where influence of US is still not evident.

Recent declaration to oppose sale of Oil to US and willingness to use Euro as currency, by Venezuela's President is a major setback for US. But control of US over Iraq Oil resources is a major boost for them.

Every developing and developed country is looking for every possible source of energy. Energy needs are influencing World politics and association between countries in a big way. Mr. Mani Shankar is doing a great job. His recent visits to Pakistan, Iran, Africa and South America definitely gonna help us to meet our oil needs. Energy gonna be the next thing surely!!!!!!!!!!!

AID for Africa?

2005-07-05T04:23:00.000-07:00

For quite sometime, G8 countries led by Britain have been showing urge to improve the quality of life in Africa. They are aiming to provide Aid to Africa in three ways - Cancellation of debt and their interest payments, Support for democracy as polity and Opening of African markets for free trade.
Most ironically, Britain which has the history of colonial rule and suppression over other countries is leading the campaign. PM Tony Blair (currently heading G8) would be taking the charge of EU President on July 1, clearly suggests the urge of Mr. Blair. But are these super powers really interested in aiding Africa?
In 2000, 20 countries including G8 decided to contribute 0.7% of their GDP as AID for Africa. But in last five years, only 5 of them managed to achieve this. And those fifteen include countries like US, Germany etc. But the real motivation behind this step seems to be different.
Most of the African countries have either Army rule or dictatorship as polity. Their leadership have always shown reservation for intervention in their economic, social and political structure. Their markets are still not open for outsiders. These countries possess huge energy resources. Once accessible, they could provide huge returns for stagnant European and American markets.
Only cancellation of debt and regular supply of money to Africa could help to improve the quality of life in Africa. But stats of last 5 years don't support this contention. Return of democracy and liberalization of trade in these countries is a welcome step but interest of people should be prime concern.
I hope we could expect responsible role in making Africa a better place to live.

Why i am here !!!!!!!!!!!

2005-07-04T23:30:00.000-07:00

This being the first post on this neverland....i would like to share my purpose for being here. I drive my energy from new ideas. So i look around to satiate this quest of mine. I believe 'Neverland' would provide me the platform to share my views on sundry issues with other curious readers and share their views/comments on same.

My Philosophy of life: Dream Big and Fight Hard to achieve. Failing is not failure to me. Hoping to see more and more people using this platform for a purposeful and fruitful discussion.